Three days ago Poland became the latest country to legalize medical cannabis. They join other European countries like Germany, Greece, and Italy. Polish pharmacists will now be allowed to offer patients cannabis, as long as it has been recorded with the Office for Registration of Medical Products, according to the new regulations.
The motion passed Polish parliament with an overwhelming 440-2 voting in favor for legalization. A spokesman for the Polish Pharmaceutical Chamber (PPC) said in an interview with Radio Poland, that pharmacists are ready to begin making the drugs. “Given the fact that there are nearly 15,000 pharmacies in Poland, an overwhelming majority is authorised to make prescription drugs – that’s around 90 percent,” the spokesperson said.
The new law will go into effect next October. Raw flower and other forms of cannabis will be available to patients with qualifying illnesses like epilepsy, chronic, pain, nausea, and multiple sclerosis. The PPC estimates that around 300 thousand people will end up qualifying to use medical cannabis under the new law. Polish doctors will have the freedom to prescribe cannabis to any patients with illnesses or conditions that have been shown to improve through using cannabis.
In addition to legalizing medical cannabis, the bill will also create “the Polish Institute of Cannabis” which will help educate physicians and the public on the benefits of cannabis. Though full, aka recreational, legalization would certainly be preferable, the Polish are definitely going in the right direction by educating their citizens. Nice job Poland!
Source: Radio Poland
Image Source: National Geographic
Will Poland go recreational after this? Tell us in the comments!